Is your attitude creating a hurdle in your job-search?

An article from Shine.com

Attitude plays an important role in job search. Employers are constantly looking out for positive, keen learners, who have a never-say-die attitude. So, if you hit a roadblock in job-hunt, introspect your attitude.

Have you ever given thought to the fact that your attitude is an important factor in your job-search? I have seen many job-seekers flaunt the “couldn’t care less” kind of attitude even during job-hunt. That can spell doom as inadvertently, you put yourself on sticky ground. A job seeker should neither be over-confident nor diffident and shouldn’t be overtly blatant about his/her feelings and expressions. The best way to tackle it is to put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoe and figure out what you would want from prospective candidates. (Also read: How to get interview calls) Here are 3 tips to help you convey the right attitude.

Be enthusiastic: You have to show genuine enthusiasm to land the job, as employers can detect a fake approach. Your attitude should show that you are willing to work with the company and you will love being there. Your resume too should state your keenness and your passion for the work should be evident during the interview. Present your key skills so as to match the company requirements. Portray yourself as a down-to-earth person and an eager learner. Make sure you follow up after the interview showing your desire to work with them.

Be positive: Your body language is an important element. During the interview, offer a firm but friendly handshake, sit straight and look the interviewer in the eye. Answer smartly without fumbling. If you don’t know something, acknowledge the fact with humility, without beating around the bush. Body language is important for creating a good impression. For more on it, check, managing your body language.

Try to gel well: Show your willingness to adjust in a team. Individual contribution is important but nothing is more important than the final product. You’re a part of a team is a better approach than you are above the team. The bottom line – people hire and want to work with those who have no hang ups and can easily get along in a group. Don’t appear to be a difficult person. Keep in mind that too much of candour and honesty can sometimes put you in trouble. Be careful of being overtly honest with your views and opinions, especially if they appear to clash with what the company seeks.

Jot down points from an interview and follow them in your job-hunt journey. While the frustration of a prolonged job search is understandable, it’s a grave mistake when you show negativity in your outlook. Rather, be positive as employers prefer employees who have an optimistic approach, are team players and can take setbacks in their stride.

For a clearer picture, seek opinion of friends and family. They might help you to figure out the problem and enhance your positivity as a job-search is daunting even under good market conditions. William James has said, “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” So, portray the right attitude to get into the privileged league of an employed personnel.

Rajashree B Mustafi